How Do Steroid and Hyaluronic Acid Injections Relieve Joint Pain?

How Do Steroid and Hyaluronic Acid Injections Relieve Joint Pain?

Steroid injections use anti-inflammatory corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain for weeks to months, commonly used for conditions like frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Hyaluronic acid injections work differently, supplementing the joint's natural lubricating fluid, and are typically used for degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, with effects lasting up to a year. Both work best combined with physiotherapy, which uses the window of reduced pain to address the underlying cause rather than relying on the injection alone.

What Is Injection Therapy?

Injection therapy is a treatment that many people have heard of, but few fully understand. It is often associated with steroids, but the reality is more nuanced and far more targeted in how it works.

At Relive Physiotherapy, injection therapy is used as part of a structured approach to help reduce pain, improve movement, and support recovery when other treatments may not be providing enough relief.

Injection therapy involves delivering medication directly into or around a painful joint or soft tissue. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility in the affected area.

Clients typically seek this treatment when they are experiencing persistent pain that is limiting their daily activities, sport, or overall quality of life. In many cases, they may have already tried other conservative treatments or have been recommended injection therapy as part of their recovery plan.

What Are Steroid Injections?

Corticosteroid injections are one of the most commonly used forms of injection therapy.

Despite common misconceptions, these are not the same as anabolic steroids used for muscle building. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications designed to reduce swelling and irritation within a joint or surrounding tissue.

When administered into the affected area, they can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain relatively quickly. While they do not "cure" the underlying issue, they can make movement more comfortable and allow clients to re-engage with rehabilitation.

The effects of a steroid injection can typically last for several weeks to a few months, depending on the individual and the condition being treated.

It is important to use this period of reduced pain wisely, often in combination with physiotherapy, to address the root cause of the problem rather than relying on the injection alone.

What Conditions Are Commonly Treated with Steroid Injections?

Injection therapy can be used for a range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting different joints, including the knees, shoulders, elbows, and ankles. Some of the more common conditions include:

• Frozen shoulder
• Tennis elbow
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Joint inflammation related to overuse or injury

A clinical assessment with an experienced practitioner is important to determine whether injection therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.

What Are Hyaluronic Acid Injections?

In joints affected by degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections may be recommended.

Synovial fluid is a natural substance within the joints that helps lubricate movement and reduce friction between bones. In conditions like arthritis, this fluid can become less effective, leading to stiffness, discomfort, and reduced mobility.

Hyaluronic acid injections act as a supplement to this natural fluid. They help improve lubrication within the joint, reducing friction and allowing smoother movement.

For many clients, this can lead to improved comfort during daily activities and a reduction in joint pain over time. The effects of hyaluronic acid injections can last for several months, and in some cases, up to a year.

What Role Does Physiotherapy Play in Injection Therapy?

Injection therapy is most effective when combined with a structured rehabilitation programme.

Physiotherapy can help restore strength, improve flexibility, and correct movement patterns that may have contributed to the problem in the first place. This combined approach helps maximise the benefits of the injection while also reducing the likelihood of symptoms returning.

Is Injection Therapy Right for You?

Injection therapy is not suitable for everyone, and a proper assessment is essential before proceeding. A consultation with an experienced practitioner will help determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition and overall goals.

At Relive Physiotherapy, our approach focuses on providing clear guidance, thorough assessment, and tailored treatment options to support your recovery journey.

If you are experiencing ongoing joint pain or are curious about whether injection therapy could help, it is worth seeking professional advice.

An initial consultation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the most suitable treatment pathway for you, whether that includes injection therapy, physiotherapy, or a combination of both.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are steroid injections the same as anabolic steroids?

No. Corticosteroid injections are anti-inflammatory medications used to reduce swelling and pain in a joint. They're entirely different from anabolic steroids used for muscle building.

What's the difference between steroid and hyaluronic acid injections?

Steroid injections reduce inflammation and are used for a wide range of conditions like frozen shoulder or tennis elbow. Hyaluronic acid injections instead supplement the joint's natural lubricating fluid and are typically used for degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis.

How long do the effects of injection therapy last?

This varies by type. Steroid injections typically last several weeks to a few months, while hyaluronic acid injections can last several months and, in some cases, up to a year.

Do injections cure the underlying problem, or just relieve pain?

Injections don't cure the underlying issue on their own. They reduce pain and inflammation, creating a window where physiotherapy can more effectively address the root cause and reduce the risk of symptoms returning.

Is injection therapy suitable for everyone?

No, it's not appropriate for every condition or individual. A proper clinical assessment is needed to determine whether injection therapy is the right option for your specific situation.

About the Author:

Raj Gandhi

Lead Physiotherapist & Independent Non-Medical Prescriber

Raj Gandhi is a Chartered Physiotherapist and co-founder of Relive Physiotherapy, with over 20 years' specialist experience in Orthopaedics, Sports Injuries, and Musculoskeletal Medicine.

He holds a Master's degree in Sports Physiotherapy, a Postgraduate Diploma in Orthopaedic Medicine and Injection Therapy, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Independent Prescribing. Raj has a particular interest in treating back and neck pain, along with a wide range of sports injuries, and has worked as a Physiotherapist for the Commonwealth Games team. He spent over 10 years in the NHS before leaving to establish Relive Physiotherapy and is widely respected among colleagues for his expertise in Injection Therapy and his hands-on, manual approach to treatment.

Raj is a member of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Orthopaedic Medicine and Injection Therapy (ACPOMIT), the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (AACP), and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine (ACPSEM). He also mentors the physiotherapy team at Relive, regularly leading training and supporting their ongoing development.

Outside the clinic, Raj is a father to two girls and enjoys playing tennis, listening to audiobooks, and photography.